A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

Ileana wore a custom ivory dress, her long hair falling loosely around her shoulders. Her eyes were slightly red at the corners, giving her a fragile, delicate look.

If it had been anyone else in her position, the class might have rushed to take her side, directing their resentment toward Alessia. After all, Alessia had spent years living as the heiress, while the real daughter had who knows what kind of life before returning to the Tate family. It was easy to imagine yourself in Ileana’s shoes and feel indignant on her behalf.

But when Ileana finished speaking, the classroom remained silent.

Ileana lowered her head, biting her lip and clutching the hem of her dress. From the outside, she looked for all the world like a lost, helpless waif. Yet the strange hush lingered, heavy and unbroken.

Suddenly, the quiet was shattered by the sharp sound of clapping.

All eyes turned to Alessia. She smiled, her gaze locked unflinchingly on Ileana standing at the front.

There was an undercurrent between them, but outwardly, both wore calm masks.

“Oh, I didn’t realize you were here too, sister. Please take care of me in the future,” Ileana said, as if only now noticing Alessia.

Alessia arched an eyebrow, pretending to ponder for a moment before speaking with mock confusion.

younger brother. But… I don’t recall ever having

sister.”

when she looked up again, her eyes brimmed with tears. Wrapping

back a laugh and gave her a

had seen all kinds of people. Ileana’s little performance didn’t fool them; if anything, they found it mildly

was

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Chapter 52

Alessia might not be a Tate by blood, but if Ileana wasn’t, she

even a look, and they could. read each other like

Even if Alessia was part of the family, so what? What mattered was her own

her good graces. If Ileana thought that just becoming the “Tate heiress” would make everyone

fallen low.